Application
Do's & Don'ts

Do
yourself a favor: Before you send in your application,
proofread! Nothing will make admissions officers dump your
application in the reject pile faster than a sloppy, illegible
or error-ridden application.

This
is NOT necessarily true. What they're usually looking for is a
well-rounded student body comprised of students with various
interests and skills. This is good news. It means you don't need
a ten-page list of activities stuffed with entries like the
Trampoline Club and the Polka Band (unless, of course, you truly
enjoy participating in the Polka Band).

But
don't cut down on your activities for fear of appearing
unfocused. Believe it or not, admissions committees can
differentiate between those who are trying to load up their
activities sheet and those who have a sincere interest in their
extracurriculars. Don't worry about joining clubs you think
colleges want to see on your resume. Do what you're really
interested in.

Show
the Real YouFeel like your GPA and SAT or
ACT score don't tell the whole story? That's what your essays
are for. Be yourself (but "yourself" with good grammar
and perfect spelling). The cliche "Write about what you
know" has never been more true. For more advice on essays,
consult your teachers or your guidance counselors. Here are some
essay questions that have been asked in the past:

Describe
what you would consider to be the perfect adventure. (Hollins
College)

What
do you value most in a relationship? Describe the person you
feel closest to and why your relationship is so strong. (Austin
College)

If
you could declare a new holiday, what would you
celebrate/commemorate? Why? How would it be observed?
(University of Puget Sound)

Sell
YourselfThe interview, though often not
required, is another chance to show the real you. Try to
schedule your interview for a Monday or a Friday, and spend the
weekend on campus. If you don't know anyone at that school, call
the admissions office. Most schools sponsor an overnight program
for prospective students.

As
for the interview itself, the most important thing you can do is
RELAX. Remember, you're there to find out more about the school
just as much as to make an impression. Dress appropriately, go
in armed with some questions that you genuinely want to ask,
practice your firm handshake, and you'll do fine. If you're
extraordinarily nervous about the interviewing process, rehearse
with your guidance counselor or a friend.

Keeping
up with YesterdayIf you're not a procrastinator,
consider applying for EARLY ADMISSIONS. There are usually two
alternatives—Early Action (an admission decision that binds
the school to the applicant, but not vice versa) and Early
Decision (an admission decision that binds both the school and
the applicant to one another). Be aware of which schools offer
which options and their corresponding early deadlines.

Plan
to get your regular applications in early while there are more
spots available. Some schools have rolling admissions; in these
cases, spots are taken as applications arrive and are accepted,
so it's especially important to get your application in as early
as possible.

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